2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Finish grad school

Yep! I mean, it was a sure thing when I made this resolution, since I finished in February, but still.

Keep my condo tidy and make necessary improvements

Nope... I'm not sure when I'll accomplish this, since it hasn't happened...ever. I kept it tidy enough that I wasn't COMPLETELY embarrassed when the dog walker came, but other than that...nope. I also didn't get my carpet replaced, install ceiling fans, or remove my fireplace. I did, however, get a portable A/C unit from Kathryn when she moved! I set it up to work with Alexa, along with several lamps and other home electronics.

Read 24 books

Nope, I read only 12... Though that was better than the three I finished in 2016!

Work on my mental health

I went back to my counselor for a few months, but then we decided she wasn't the right fit, and I haven't started looking for someone new. That said, I feel like I'm mostly in an okay place. I take Prozac and have only had a couple panic attacks since starting it.

And yes, I'll do resolutions for 2018, too.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yep, Christina had baby Camryn in March and Adrian had baby Enzo in June. And Carmen and Martin adopted baby Alexander, born in November.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Nope.

5. What places did you visit?

Florida (end of March/beginning of April and early June), Arizona (April) and Nashville (September).

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

Muscle mass. My fitness went down the drain toward the last four or five months of 2017, so I need to get back on track.

7. What days from 2018 will you always remember?

June 18 when I had my 10-year workiversary. September 27 when I started a new job.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Finally leaving my job, which had made me so unhappy for too long. (Also, initiating a happy hour with a few girls at work, which all of them came to!)

9. What was your biggest failure?

Procrastination, usually with getting things done at home. Things build up and then I want to do them less and less, so the problem just gets worse.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I got peroneal tendonitis AGAIN. Ugh. I didn't do physical therapy this time, and instead just mostly stayed off of my ankle and iced it a lot. It felt okay by the time we went to Nashville for their half marathon over Labor Day, but only enough to run the 5k.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

My new camera, a Nikon D7200, and a bunch of accessories, like lenses and filters.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

The ladies are all stepping up these days, especially between #MeToo and the Women's Match. (#TimesUp was 2018, so maybe we'll talk about that at the end of this year.)

13. Where did most of your money go?

Probably a lot of stuff I didn't really need, like a stand-up paddleboard. But, also my new camera and airplane tickets.

14. What did you get really excited about?

Starting a new job.

15. What song will always remind you of 2017?

Probably Sylvan Esso's "Just Dancing." That was easily my favorite of the year.

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? Probably not sadder? Maybe happier, mainly because I'm not in my old job anymore.b) thinner or fatter? For sure fatter. Ugh. I'm heavier than I've ever been, and by a lot.c) richer or poorer? Richer. Partially because I still need to sign up for my company's 401k program, so not as much is getting taken out of my paycheck...

17. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Working out and running, especially the last third of the year.

18. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Drinking, maybe? I had a lot of social activities, especially the last few months of the year, and it got to where I was drinking every day of the week, except maybe one.

19. How did you spend Christmas?

The Seahawks played on Christmas Eve, so I watched at my parents' house. It started snowing during the game, and I kept going outside to take Snapchats. One of those times, we got a pick six, so then my parents kept making me stand out there whenever we were on defense... And we won, so I guess it worked?

After the game, we went to my grandma and grandpa's house, as usual. It was still snowing, and there were several accidents that we had to drive around on the way. Literally everyone was at the house this year, except Makayla, so it was packed: 31 adults and seven kids. It was still snowing when we left, and we got rear-ended on the way back home (which is really only a 7-minute drive). Luckily it wasn't too bad, though.

Christmas Day was super lazy, and I didn't get out of my pajamas. We opened presents while drinking mimosas, had breakfast, watched Christmas movies, played Illimat, ate dinner, drank wine... Pretty solid!

20. What was your favorite TV program?

I really liked The Handmaid's Tale, and how they updated it from the book to be more appropriate for today. Elisabeth Moss was excellent, and this was the first time watching Alexis Bledel, despite being a huge Gilmore Girls fan, where I said, "Wow, Rory can act!"

21. What was the best book you read?

Probably Commonwealth by Ann Patchett, but I also really liked The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

22. What music did you get excited about?

Sylvan Esso's new album, What Now. I also was excited about St. Vincent's new one, MASSEDUCTION, but it didn't get quite as much play time for me.

23. What did you want and get?

A new job!

24. What did you want and not get?

Stealing this answer from Kate: Trump's impeachment.

25. What was your favorite film of this year?

I'm not much of a movie person, so I didn't see too many of them. I can't even remember what I saw. La La Land... Star Wars... I feel like I'm missing something big.

26. What was your favorite podcast this year?[New question!]

Was there a day after April where I DIDN'T listen to My Favorite Murder? They were few and far between. I have listened to almost every actual episode (so, excluding minisodes) three or four times at this point. A lot of the time, I'll turn it on just to have some noise at home. Georgia is the call-back queen. I wish I was friends with Karen. My sister and I now say "I'M sorry..." on a regular basis. I bring it up all the time, including at work when it may or may not be appropriate to discuss murder. I hope they come back for another Seattle live show soon, since I just barely missed it...

27. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

32. I decided not to have a friend party this year, so I just got pizza and dessert with my family at Resonate in Renton. Earlier in the day, I ran (literally) to and from the Fremont Solstice Parade, and met up with Raj, Amy, Carmen and Martin there. Nothing too exciting.

28. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

Same as usual. Jeans. Sweaters. Tennis shoes or boots.

29. What kept you sane?

Having (mostly) weekly meetups with Drew and Sarah, usually for trivia, but sometimes writing, dinner or bingo.

Hmm, probably my new coworkers, especially the ones I've been hanging out with outside of work.

33. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

Less that I learned it, and more that I'm trying to: People usually aren't thinking about you or over-analyzing your actions. Trying to read into why they do--or don't do--something is usually more hurtful to yourself than it is beneficial.

The photo above is from the Women's March on Washington in the nation's capital, which took place on January 21st on the other side of the country at the same time that I was marching in Seattle. Taken by Kevin Mazur, it's one of those "right time, right place" photos that leaves you in awe. It's amazing. I noticed several powerful Carrie Fisher/Princess Leia signs during our march, but the composition of the two separate signs makes this one of the best photos I've seen from the marches.

Seattle's version of the march started at Judkins Park and finished 3.5 miles away at the Seattle Center. Since Judkins is relatively close to my office in the International District, I drove to our parking garage with my mom and her friends, discussing Trump on the way. I planned to meet some of my friends (Lydia, Eric, Lynn and Tim) on the way to the park at a nearby p-patch. That plan worked out well, because cellphones really didn't work due to the sheer number of people converging, and it would have been next to impossible to find each other otherwise. (Somehow, some way, Anna still managed to find us more than two hours later!) I didn't have time to make a sign beforehand, but my mom handed me an extra one when she walked on ahead. I had never been to Judkins Park, and thank goodness it's large, because the turnout exceeded everyone's expectations. The organizers had estimated about 50,000 people would attend, but the total came out closer to 175,000. Incredible.

Directions and guest speakers began around 10:30am, and the march officially got underway just after 11am. But, because of the huge concentration of people, for most of us that didn't mean much. I think it took over an hour to move about 75 yards. Around that time, they got on the speakers and said that the front of the march was three blocks from the Seattle Center, and yet there were still people in the park. That meant the crowd filled the entire route from start to finish! Amazing! Our pace picked up around 1pm once we were farther along on 20th Avenue, but not much. It really wasn't until we got to 4th Avenue that the crowd got less congested, and I finally had the arm space to hold my sign out. We made a small detour to Pioneer Square to grab a snack and headed back into the crowd soon after. It was 3:30pm by the time we finally made it to the Space Needle and took some victory photos. Since so many people had already come and gone by that point, it didn't seem like there was really an end event anymore and we split ways. My mom and her group were at Nordstrom Cafe eating pizza (they got too hungry to finish the march), so I met them there and then we all walked back to the International District. According to a map I made on Strava, I walked 7.2 miles in total. Needless to say, I was exhausted afterwards, and I think I went to bed at 9:30pm.

Since the unexpected outcome of the election, many have criticized Seattle and other areas with a high concentration of liberals as being influenced by their Blue Bubbles. They say that the people within them are sheltered from the "real" America, the working class America. Maybe there is some validity to that, but based on yesterday, the opposite certainly felt true. I couldn't believe the differences between all of the people who came together! Sure, most of those in attendance were women, and that was the whole point, but probably a third of the crowd was supportive men. I saw Americans of all colors and shapes. I saw Christians, Muslims, Jews and atheists. I saw straight people walking side-by-side with their LGBTQ neighbors. I saw families with children who didn't cry or complain. I saw people in wheelchairs and on crutches. What I didn't see was a a single act of violence. In fact, I didn't even hear so much as an angry voice. I don't think you could say half of those things about Trump rallies during the election season, but that Seattleites came together so completely made me proud of my city.

This was an incredible experience, and one that I'm so glad I decided to participate in. Though I only marched with a half dozen friends, I know several more who also attended, along with others in marches across the country: Mariana in St. Petersburg and Capri in Los Angeles. For many people, myself included, this was their first march or protest. I can only hope this sense of solidarity continues for these next four years, because it's going to be necessary. But if the size and scope of this movement is any indication, there are a whole lot of nasty women out there who will not be silenced.

Okay, this one is pretty easy. I only have one class left and should be done by the end of February!

2. Keep my condo tidy and make necessary improvements

I say every year, and it's always very hard for me, but in 2017 I need to be better about adulting. I also want to make the changes that I've put off for so long, such as replacing the carpet and installing ceiling fans.

3. Read 24 books

Hopefully I'll find myself wanting to read more once school ends, but that kind of depends on what I decide to do about the CPA exam, too.

4. Work on my mental health

At the end of 2016, after a series of panic attacks, I was diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder. This year I want to start managing that better, including figuring out medication, continuing therapy, and maybe writing more for stress relief.

Visited Spain. Went to an NHL game (Tampa Bay). Went to an away Seahawks game (Tampa Bay). Kept most of my plants alive!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Use all my vacation time

Check! I mean, mostly. I did end up working during some of my days off, but at least I wasn't in the office.

Read at least two books per month

Nope... I read three books in January and nothing else, though I had another few in progress all year.

Keep my condo tidier/organized

Yes and no. I realized that this got out of hand when I started grad school, and it was just really hard for me to get on top of again between that, work, seeing friends, etc. But, my mom is the best mom in the world and came over three times to clean, organize and help me get rid of things. And I've kept it looking good since mid-October!

Pass three sections of the CPA exam

HA! I am now eligible to take the test, and I've paid for Audit, but I haven't scheduled it yet...

And yes, I'll do resolutions for 2017, too.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Not this year, but I know of some babies coming along next year.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

There are a couple who I think I could have been close to... And while obviously I wasn't close to Carrie Fisher, losing her (and then her mom a day later?!) during this disaster of a year stings. I remember the first time I saw Star Wars at age 11 and she was the biggest aspect of it that made me such a fan. I thought she was incredible.

5. What places did you visit?

Spain (May/June), France (side trip in May), and Florida (November).

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Spending more time with friends and family, since I'll be done with school!

7. What days from 2016 will you always remember?

November 8, for reasons obvious to any American, especially those who were disappointed/disgusted/in disbelief. November 9, when I had a panic attack during the Neko Case concert in Tacoma and again while driving home.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

See #32 below.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Procrastination. It's been a very significant part of my school and work lives lately, and something I'm struggling to overcome. Trivia nights and watching Netflix just sound so much more appealing!

This was a difficult and stressful year for so many, but also for one friend in particular. You were and are so much to so many people, and I'm so proud of how you handled everything life threw at you, bap!

13. Where did most of your money go?

Other than mortgage, tuition, etc., it went to my vacation to Spain for Capri's wedding.

14. What did you get really excited about?

Going to Europe for the first time in seven years. Also, it was my longest vacation since that same England/France trip!

15. What song will always remind you of 2016?

I don't think there is one, really. Maybe "Feel So Close" by Calvin Harris, since we did a flash mob to that at Capri's wedding.

16. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? I suppose sadder.b) thinner or fatter? Fatter, tbh. I did really well running and swimming regularly during the first part of the year, but that fell apart after a series of injuries, and it was hard to get back into the routine.c) richer or poorer? Richer, I guess. Insignificantly so, though.

17. What do you wish you’d done more of?

I probably could have and should have spent more time with friends. There are some that I haven't seen in literally six or more months.

I also probably should have written here a bit more. I started and abandoned several posts, mostly about bigger things like the Spain trip and Ragnar. I'll try to be better about it next year.

18. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Procrastinating.

19. How did you spend Christmas?

The Seahawks played at home on Christmas Eve, and I had bought tickets to the game back in July. Since Mariana and Luther were in town and going, too (yay!), we did a big tailgate, getting there by 9:30am. I really should have worn more layers, though, as I was freezing and took forever to thaw out after! What a crappy game, too. They came back to tie it, but then Hauschka... Why can't we beat the Cardinals?!

Afterwards, I drove to my grandparents' house in Renton for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone was there except Stephanie and Kenny (two grandparents, two parents, two aunts, one uncle, 10 cousins, nine cousins' kids, 11 significant others and myself), and a lot of people actually stayed past 8:30pm! When we got home, we got on Skype with Stephanie, since she and Ryan weren't coming to town until the 29th. She had already opened her Christmas pajamas, but watched me open mine, and then Mom, Dad and I watched It's a Wonderful Life before wrapping presents and going to bed.

On Christmas morning, we Skyped with Stephanie again and watched her and Ryan open the presents Mom had sent to California. After that, the three of us opened our own presents upstairs and had french toast and mimosas for breakfast. We later saw Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them at the Factoria theater. (I had heard they served alcohol after a recent remodel, but that wasn't the case.) When we got home, we watched Elf and the Sunday Night Football game while making a turkey dinner, and then played Mexican Train while watching Home Alone. I lost...

20. What was your favorite TV program?

I finally, finally watched Orphan Black, and I can't believe I waited so long! I watched all four seasons three times through, back-to-back. And then again this month. So. Good.

21. What was the best book you read?

I didn't really read this year, because of grad school. (Well, kind of. I felt like if I was going to read, I should be studying, so I often did neither.) So, I only finished three books, and those were all in January. I liked Carrie Brownstein's memoir, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl, but it didn't feel super cohesive. So, my favorite book was probably You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine by Alexandra Kleeman, which was pretty bizarre and unlike anything I'd read before. And it has this too-real quote:

"Loving someone was no guarantee of how they would treat you. All it did was raise the stakes."

22. What music did you get excited about?

I listened to Ladyhawke at Christina's suggestion, and her music became my go-to for much of the summer. I also met her after her show at the Tractor Tavern (immediately following seeing case/lang/veirs at Woodland Park Zoo) and she signed the copy of the record I bought there. The new Phantogram album had some awesome songs on it, and they were great live, even though I couldn't see much of the show. #shortgirlprobz

23. What did you want and get?

The West Elm bar cabinet I'd had my eye on! I'd wanted a bar cart for years, but none were exactly what I wanted. This one comes pretty darn close. I need a few more glasses for it, but it's fairly well-stocked.

24. What did you want and not get?

I started casually looking for a new house or townhouse, but the Seattle market is just too insane, and the timing wasn't (and still isn't) right. I'd like to have some more space and a small yard for Ellie, but for now I'm settling on making my condo a little better.

25. What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn't see many movies this year (I think only three), but Rogue One was definitely the best of them. I wish it wasn't a standalone film, but I'm glad these other stories are representing the series so well. Felicity Jones killed it. And that scene at the very end...

26. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

31. My parents picked me up from work, and we went to Six Seven at the Edgewater Hotel for dinner. About a week later, I did a separate friend party. We were going to go to a small bar for classy drinks before going to Waterwheel for divey karaoke, but I didn't think everyone would fit in the venue for the first part of the evening. Christina and Ben stepped up and offered to host at their place instead, which is walking distance from Waterwheel. Ben made cocktails, I brought snacks, and it worked out really well! Unfortunately, Waterwheel was packed, so only Annie and I got songs in (Salt-N-Pepa and Fleetwood Mac, respectively).

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

A sweater and jeans, most of the time, with either Vans or Converse. Maybe my brown Tieks, if I felt slightly more like trying.

28. What kept you sane?

My little disposable vape pen with high CBD levels was pretty handy.

29. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I mean, with how much I watched Orphan Black, it has to be Tatiana Maslany. Specifically in her role as Cosima (especially when with Delphine), though all the clones are amazing. Except Rachel. Fuck Rachel.

30. What political issue stirred you the most?

Election 2016 in its entirety. I mean, that's the case for everyone, right? It's scary that the country is in Trump's (tiny) hands now, and that there's so much uncertainty for many marginalized groups. At least people are angry and making something of that anger. I've been donating money to charities (Planned Parenthood, ACLU, etc.) and would like to be more involved going forward.

31. Who was the best new person you met?

I don't think I knew Kathryn last year, and I had only met Carrie one time last year before we all started running on Thursday mornings. I've been out of the habit the last several months, but they're a fun group and so sweet, and I would like to spend more time with them. Kathryn organized a fantasy football league this year that is about half Oiselle girls, and I wish we'd gotten together to watch a game or two!

32. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

Well, this is the big one, I guess. After dating for years yet never feeling right with any of those guys (both wonderful and otherwise), I'm finally starting to accept and acknowledge what I've felt constantly throughout my life. It's only been a little over a month since I've started "coming out" and exploring this new aspect of my life, so there's a lot of uncharted territory here. There's so much I still don't know and likely won't know for a while. But at this point, I do know that guys aren't for me, even when on paper it seems like we'd be perfect together. I know I won't ever be happy if I keep looking for something that I know in my gut isn't right. For a very long time, I told myself I could. I wanted to be like everyone else. But something clicked in me recently, and I knew I couldn't continue on like that anymore. I couldn't continue to hide behind my fear of so many unknowns, especially not with Trump taking office in a few short weeks. This isn't the time to hide. To do so would be to ignore a part of myself, a part I openly celebrate in others. I haven't told many people yet, but those who know have been supportive, which is about as much as I can ask for! Thanks, friends!

33. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"Your heartache is not foreverIt’s another road that we walk togetherAnd our lives become much strongerAs the world goes on much longerI wandered far to find the answersWhat keeps me alive while taking chances

I prefer beer over wine (and champagne over wine, for that matter), dogs over cats, guacamole over salsa and Red Vines over Twizzlers. I can usually be found reading, listening to music, at live shows, playing games or sports with friends, or hiking up a mountain.